Glenn Maxwell returns after almost 3 months to face favourite side India in 4th T20I

Glenn Maxwell returns to Australia lineup as they make 4 changes for the 4th T20I vs India at Gold Coast.

The much-awaited return of Glenn Maxwell is finally here in the fourth T20I between India and Australia at the Gold Coast, with the five-match series locked at 1-1. Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl first, making four changes to the Australian side.

Glenn Maxwell back vs India

Maxwell is back in action after a gap of two months and 21 days, having recovered from a fractured wrist he suffered during a net session in New Zealand. The injury had forced him to miss the T20I series against the Kiwis and the initial matches of this contest. The 36-year-old was close to returning in Hobart but decided to wait until he felt fully comfortable with his fielding.

He now reclaims his familiar middle-order role, while Matt Short has been promoted to open in place of the released Travis Head. Maxwell’s return is particularly significant because India have been his favourite opponents in T20Is. Across 23 matches, he has scored 574 runs at an average of 31.88 and a strike rate of 152.25, both his highest against any top cricketing nation.

He has notched up two centuries and two fifties against India, including an unbeaten 113 in Bengaluru* that sealed a memorable series win for Australia in 2019. His 38 sixes against India are also his most against any country in the format, shows the threat he poses to Indian bowlers whenever he finds rhythm.

Australia strengthen with Maxwell, Zampa and Dwarshuis back

Along with Maxwell, leg-spinner Adam Zampa also makes his return after spending time away for the birth of his second child. His inclusion means Matt Kuhnemann drops out. Ben Dwarshuis has also recovered from injury and replaces Sean Abbott, who has been released to prepare for the upcoming Test series. Josh Philippe comes into the XI as well, with Mitch Owen sitting out.

Australia’s playing XI features a more experienced balance now, with Maxwell, Zampa and Stoinis forming the core of their all-round options. India, meanwhile, have named an unchanged XI after their strong win in Hobart. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav mentioned he would have batted first regardless, expecting the Gold Coast surface to behave like a subcontinent pitch.

IND vs AUS: 4th T20I Playing XIs

Australia: Matt Short, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.